GATINEAU, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Aug. 30, 2013) - Today the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, announced that the project to replace Canada's fixed-wing search and rescue aircraft has moved forward with a draft Request for Proposals (RFP). The draft is being shared with industry for final comments before the RFP phase is launched in early 2014.

"We are committed to ensuring that this procurement proceeds in an open, fair and transparent way, giving best value to Canadian taxpayers and providing the Royal Canadian Air Force with the capability that it needs," said Minister Finley. "We will continue to engage industry and rely on the advice of independent third-party advisors throughout this process."

"Search and rescue operations are fundamental to the core mandate of the Canadian Armed Forces to deliver excellence at home," said the Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence. "By working to fulfil our commitment to acquire this new fleet, we will support the Royal Canadian Air Force in its vital search and rescue role for decades to come."

The principles of Smart Procurement have been applied throughout this procurement, including good governance, early engagement and consultation with industry, and the use of third-party independent advisors, such as the fairness monitor appointed to oversee the integrity of the process.

Since August 2011, industry representatives have provided feedback on a number of Letters of Interests, and during one-on-one consultations and workshops, ranging from the Basis of Payment concept, to the role of the Canadian In-service Support Integrator, to the aircraft requirements. The feedback received provided useful information in order to assist the Government in improving project documentation prior to launching the actual procurement.

Following analysis of comments received from industry on the draft, the final RFP will be posted on the Government Electronic Tendering Service (Buyandsell.gc.ca/tenders) in early 2014.